Perceptually Driven Simplification Using Gaze-Directed Rendering
Benjamin L. Hallen, David P. Luebke, Benjamin A. Watson, Dale Newfield · 2012
We present a unique polygonal simplification method grounded in rigorous perceptual science. Local simplification operations are driven directly by perceptual metrics, rather than the geometric metrics common to other algorithms. The effect of each operation on the final image is considered in terms of the contrast the operation will induce in the image and the spatial frequency of the resulting change. Equations derived from psychophysical studies determine whether the simplification operation will be perceptible; the operation is performed only if its effect is judged imperceptible. To increase the range of simplification permitted, we incorporate gaze-directed rendering. A commercial eye tracker monitors the direction of the user’s gaze, allowing the image to be simplified more aggressively in the periphery than at the center of vision. Our perceptual model addresses many interesting topics in polygonal simplification, including gaze-directed rendering, silhouette preservation, and imperceptible simplification. We describe two user studies to evaluate our model, and address the shortcomings as well as the potential of our approach.